In the first game this season for the San Pasqual High boys soccer team, senior Eric Olivares took a free kick that sailed high but would have split the football uprights for a 50-yard field goal.

It’s easy to forgive Olivares. After all, he’s the one who provided an early highlight in a strong season for the Eagles football team last fall by kicking a 39-yard field goal on the game’s final play for a 17-17 tie against powerful Poway.

Until this year, Olivares had never even considered playing football. But then at the request of the football staff, soccer coach John Burson recommended a certain defender who demonstrated his mettle as a sophomore on the underdog San Pasqual team that won the San Diego Section Division I soccer title two years ago.

“I’m glad that I tried it, something different,” said Olivares, who has been committed to soccer since youth competition. “It was a great season.”

That’s also the aim for Olivares in soccer as the Eagles are off to a 3-0 start heading into this year’s elite Southern California Classic as the reigning Showcase Division champions. They open play at 8:15 a.m. today against St. Augustine at Cathedral Catholic with the finals slated Friday.

Albeit there’s some adjustment in kicking style, Burson notes that the 5-foot-9 Olivares has qualities that translate well in either soccer or football.

“Eric’s a real good kid, very competitive,” said Burson, in his sixth season directing the varsity at his alma mater. “Of course, he can kick it a long way. Also, he’s real coachable. That was the biggest thing. He was a perfect fit.”

Senior Torrey DeArmas remembers intently watching his soccer teammate aside fellow members of San Pasqual’s Rowdy Section at Poway on Sept. 23. In the third quarter, Olivares hooked a 43-yard attempt, but then came another chance after the Eagles rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth period.

“The game was super exciting for us,” DeArmas said. “On the second kick, we were all super nervous, and when he hit it, we went crazy.”

Olivares converted what would be his longest kick of the season. The Eagles (8-3-1) eventually reached the Division I semifinals before bowing to Poway, the eventual champion.

“I was nervous at first, but everyone on the sideline told me to relax,” said Olivares, admittedly eager for another try. “Then I just thought of it as another opportunity to give my team success.”

Olivares now comprises the final link to the Eagles’ last soccer title along with classmates Jose Merlo on defense and Leon Prikhodovskiy at forward. DeArmas adds to the defense with senior Robert Tello in goal.

The Eagles (19-4-2) advanced to the section semifinals last season, further restoring the legacy of a school that claimed three crowns from 1995-2001.

“We wish to continue that excellence that we’ve been having,” Olivares said. “It’s a big deal to step up.”